Resources for Students Interested in Online FNP Programs

OnlineFNPPrograms.com is committed to providing detailed, well-researched information about online graduate nursing programs to RNs who are interested in becoming family nurse practitioners. From students who are just starting to research programs to individuals who have already decided they want to earn their FNP degree online, our goal is to empower students to make educated decisions about online nursing schools. In addition to a comprehensive directory of accredited online FNP programs, we created this resource section that includes a glossary of common nursing school terms, information on nursing school accreditation, and detailed articles on admission requirements and clinical placements in online FNP programs.

For RNs who want to learn more about the different career paths to become an APRN, we also have career-oriented articles that explain how to become specific types of nurse practitioners, including certified nurse midwives. We will be continually updating and adding to this section, and are always receptive to suggestions about other types of content that would be useful to our readers.

Resources for Online FNP Programs

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Online MSN-FNP Programs: Registered nurses who wish to earn their MSN-FNP online should consult this page to find explanations of the typical admission requirements for such programs. This page also contains important information about why some online FNP programs only accept students from certain states.

Clinical Hours in Online Nursing Programs: This article provides an in-depth discussion of the clinical hours component of online graduate nursing programs. The general range of clinical hours that nursing programs require and how they are integrated into a program’s curriculum is described in depth. In addition, this resource explains the role of preceptors and how students find or are matched to preceptors and clinical sites in their area.

Accreditation Organizations for Graduate Nursing Programs: This resource contains information about the main organizations that accredit different types of nursing programs, and explains the general criteria nursing programs must fulfill to earn accreditation. This article describes the mission and general accreditation standards of the two main accrediting bodies for online FNP programs, the CCNE and ACEN.

Glossary of Common Terms and Abbreviations: This glossary provides detailed definitions of certain important terms that nursing students may be unfamiliar with when first researching online FNP programs. Important but potentially confusing program features, such as on-campus intensives and preceptors, are explained in depth. Furthermore, this glossary explains the roles of several important nursing associations and accrediting bodies so that students can better understand nursing accreditation and what to look for as they are researching online FNP programs.

Spotlight On Nursing Education Blog: Our Spotlight On Nursing Education Blog covers topics such as how students can make the most of their clinical practicums, and how changes in the medical field are impacting the nursing profession, with the goal of keeping prospective and current graduate nursing students apprised of important developments in nursing education and practice.

Information About Careers in Nursing

Guide to Advanced Practice Registered Nursing: Our carefully researched Guide to APRN Careers includes detailed articles about the major nurse practitioner specializations, as well as in-depth interviews with nurse practitioners across multiple fields and medical settings. Our goal with this Guide is to give RNs and graduate nursing students a unique resource to help them decide what professional paths within advanced nursing fit their interests and goals.

How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner: This resource explains the path that an RN must follow in order to become a licensed family nurse practitioner (FNP), and elaborates on each of the steps that prospective FNPs must take to reach their goal. In general, licensed FNPs must complete an accredited graduate nursing degree program with a concentration in family nurse practitioner, take a certification exam from the ANCC or AANPCP, and apply for an advanced practice registered nurse license through their state’s board of nursing.

How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife: This article explains the requirements that a registered nurse must fulfill in order to become a certified nurse midwife (CNM). RNs interested in becoming CNMs must generally complete a nurse midwifery program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, take and pass the CNM Exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and apply for state licensure/certification as a nurse midwife in their state’s board of nursing.

Why Become an FNP: Registered nurses who decide to become family nurse practitioners may enjoy numerous professional benefits. This article explains how becoming an FNP can help individuals take on more advanced clinical responsibilities, work more closely with patients, develop health care plans, and participate in leadership opportunities in clinical settings, patient education programs, and political advocacy. It also provides information about the expected employment growth and salary potential of nurse practitioners, relative to registered nurses.

Be Informed

Please take a moment to read our disclaimers page, as licensure/certification requirements for advanced practice nurse practitioners vary by state. Prospective students should always check with their state's board of nursing for the most specific and updated information about nurse practitioner licensure criteria.